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This Is The 2014 Chevrolet SS Performance Sedan

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It’s been what Chevy performance enthusiasts have been demanding for years: a rear-wheel drive performance sedan. That’s what the Chevy SS is — and it marks Chevrolet’s return to the V8 RWD performance segment after 17 years (from 1996). The vehicle, designed to deliver performance on the street as well as on the track, makes its premier this weekend at the Dayton International Speedway, along with the SS NASCAR racer, during the Daytona 500.

The Platform

As expected, the SS rides on the short-wheelbase Zeta architecture developed by GM-Holden. The proven, race-tested architecture serves as the bones for the Camaro and the Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle, along with Holden’s VF Commodore and Caprice.

Powertrain

If there’s one area about which GM enthusiasts were uncertain, it was SS’ powertrain. Well, the car will officially be powered by the familiar 6.2 liter V8 (LS3) mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. That’s right — no manuals were announced (yet).

The dynamic duo is expected to deliver a symmetrical 415 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft. of torque. The same engine can be found in the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette and Camaro SS, but Chevy is quick to point out that the engine is more powerful than the 5.5 liter V8 powering the SS NASCAR.

For those who prefer to paddle their way to higher (or lower) speed, the SS features steering wheel-mounted TAPshift paddles. The final-drive ratio is 3.27, and a 0-60 sprint can be accomplished in roughly five seconds.

Chassis

According to Chevrolet, the SS’ chassis allows it to turn and stop as well as it accelerates. Among the features are:

The SS’ handling is further improved by a near 50/50 weight distribution, along with a low center of gravity that’s made possible by the aluminum hood and rear deck lid — which are 30 [percent lighter than traditional steel panels.

“Our goal was to create a car that delivers incredible grip and handling balance while cornering, while still being comfortable to drive on the road,” said David Leone, executive chief engineer GM global programs. “The perfect weight balance and lower center of gravity were a big part of that goal because it enabled the team to tune for a more comfortable highway ride without sacrificing handling or driver confidence while cornering at the limits.”

The Exterior

A performance sedan may not be taken seriously if it doesn’t also look the part. So the exterior of the SS features a sporty and muscular stance, with staggered front and rear wheels pushed out to the corners. Specific design elements include:

“From every angle, the Chevrolet SS says power and performance,” said John Cafaro design director Chevrolet passenger cars and small crossovers. “The combination of an aggressive rear-wheel drive stance and body-side attitude with the right balance of detail and refinement inside and out are the perfect home for Chevrolet’s V-8 performance package.”

The Interior

Just like the Holden Commodore, the Chevy SS offers a spacious cabin that can comfortably swallow five adults. Some interior highlights include:

Color in-dashboard touch screen that supports Chevrolet MyLink and the next-generation navigation system

Bose Nine-speaker premium sound system

Color heads-up display

Push-button start

StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control

Forward Collision Alert

Lane Departure Warning

Side Blind Zone Alert

Rear-vision camera

Rear Cross Traffic Alert

The SS also lets the driver give it all on the track, without having to worry about saving energy (or dedicating any attention to) parking the car. So on the way home from the track, as he stops by the local Nieman-Marcus for a pair of Perry Ellis slacks, the driver can simply let the SS park itself thanks to the Automatic Parking Assist system — a first for Chevrolet.

Utilizing ultrasonic sensors to detect the width and depth of either parallel or reverse right-angle parking spaces, the system makes use of ultrasonic sensors. All the driver needs to do is to control the throttle, transmission, and brake — while the Automatic Parking Assist controls the steering inputs necessary to park the vehicle.

Availability

Coinciding with the market release of its trans-continental brother with the Roaring Lion badge, the 2014 Chevrolet SS will make its market debut in the fourth quarter of 2013. General Motors will set prices “closer to the on-sale date.

The performance sedan brings the rear-wheel drive Chevy performance story full-circle, joining the Corvette and Camaro. Combined, the two Chey-badged two-door sports cars have made Chevy the best-selling performance brand for the last two years in the United States.

2014 Chevrolet SS

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If I didn’t see the distinctive Chevy nose I would have said its a BMW . Superb design with ; lower beltline , more vertical windows which creates a more user friendly open and spacious interior for its size . A guy can put his family in there when he’s not out beating up the streets or countryside and everyone can enjoy the ride . Abbreviated front and back hints of excellent handling . Like the BMW , its understated , what a ride , congratulations GM !!

Exterior looks are great. I like the strong and wide stance. Interior looks awesome. Those seats look like they are top notch. The only things that are a let down are the motor and tranny—for now. Not that 400+ hp standard is a bad thing. A little part of me was hoping for the LT1. I’m just plain confused by the automatic only part. But, nonetheless, I am extremely excited about seeing one in person.

Now that the SS is out, all we have to wait for is HSV. In a secret underground bunker somewhere below Australia’s area 51, there is a crazy nut job creating a car so awesome that we can only refer to it as the HSV F-Series…

While I agree with your sentiment, lets be real, a 6.3L V8 needs a 5,6,7,8 speed transmission like the we need another hole in our head. It does not benefit fuel efficiency nor performance. Especially with an engine that has as broad a torque and hp spread. The Euro, and Japanese marks offer them because their engines don’t offer a comparably broad torque curve though out the rpm range.

I’s also why the C7 ended up with a 6.2L LT1 instead of the smaller 5.5 (which I new was a pipe dream anyway) against common assumption, it’s easier to make a big engine powerful and fuel efficient than to make a small engine the same.

Hahahahaha! Of course GM would just slap on a bow tie and take the paint from the rear diffuser and and the front grille. Well, we all know it will have an unforgettable driving experience, just not the looks to match. GM, oh you give me a good laugh you cheap bastards!

Erm, is this actually the official production car or just some rendering?

I was really expecting some new sheetmetal compared to the Holden. Why are they not offering a manual as well? The execution of this car has been disastrous! I guess I would buy a G8 GXP instead of this definition of compromise.

Something tells me a manual gearbox will make its way into the SS sooner or later… no sources on this, just a hunch.

As for the styling: why change it? Holden IS GM’s Chevy in Oceania… all that needs to be done is change the badges and RHD to LHD. And even then, this car has all the design elements of a modern Chevrolet — as do all (most?) Holdens.

I’ve got to agree with you man. I like the car, but all they did was toss us a middle eastern Chevy Lumina SS; and even then, I guarantee we don’t get the manual, nor the cool interior color options.

Being a Chevy, I’m sure the aftermarket will jump all over the car and we will have HSV styled body kits, (among others) and all types of accessories to further differentiate the car.

My fingers were really crossed that we’d get a little more styling variation vs just pasting Chevy badge on the grill. For the money it will cost, we could have at least gotten a HSV Club Sport body kit to make it’s performance intentions obvious.

Very nice!!..but the only letdown is they didnt offer a manual tranny @ least as an option..but im guessin that will change…good start though it’ll definitely kick the charger’s [email protected] least until their 8 speeds come in full swing later this yr!..hopefully we get a manual trans and the supercharged hsv version as well!!!!

I say ‘Well done!’. Given an updated platform this will drive even better than the G8’s on the VE platform. And, that was never a bad drive in the first place. Also, the interior is vastly improved. I’m still not giving up my G8 anytime soon.
I’m excited to see the SS in person. Pics just don’t always do justice. So many haters are posting all over the web already – fact is, not one of them would by an SS in the first place.
I hope the SS is a sales success.
Mike

Looks good little disappointed with the power figures, with all the hype I was expecting 425-450hp but the aftermarket can fix that little issue. Now lets talk about price..
can most of us attempt to buy one or just fantasize about winning the lotto, and my favorite fantasy the LSA transplant in the engine bay.